There remains wide gaps between those who do vote which undermines representative democracy. For the past three decades voters have been disproportionately of higher income, older or more partisan in their interests. Parallel to participation gaps are widening gaps in wealth, reduced opportunity for youth and frustration with the polarization in politics. How would our world be different if everyone participated? Much of this gap is due to communities left uninformed about elections. There are large gaps in who gets contacted in an election campaign. Millions of Americans, especially those served by the nonprofit sector, report not being reached by traditional campaign tactics like a phone bank.

A functioning Democracy is critical to our Nonprofit Goals and Civic Missions. The independent sector depends as much as any on good government and fair and open elections. Democracy is something we can’t take for granted. It needs our help. Nonprofits are more likely to thrive in an environment where government is held in higher esteem and people are more likely to participate in and trust democracy.